Pronunciation · lesson 5 of 24 · free

p and f, b and v — English pronunciation practice

p and f, and b and v, are made in different places. For p and b, both lips close and then pop open. For f and v, the top teeth touch the lower lip and the air keeps flowing. Mixing them changes the word: pan/fan, pine/fine, berry/very.

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How to say it

Lips together or teeth on lip — “p and b close both lips; f and v put the top teeth on the lower lip”

  1. p, b: press both lips together, then pop — pen, ball.
  2. f, v: top teeth on the lower lip, let the air flow — fan, van.
  3. p and f are quiet (no voice); b and v buzz.

Use it for: Saying fan, fine, fast, very and vote clearly, and spelling words you hear.

Worked example: Which word fits? “Turn on the ___; it is hot.” → fan

  1. Say both words: pan – fan. Only the first sound is different.
  2. You turn on a fan when it is hot: top teeth on the lower lip for f.

Check: f-an: teeth on lip ✓

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✏️ Practice

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🖨️ P F B V Sounds Worksheet

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